System and method for removing a foreign object from an airstream entering a turbomachine

ABSTRACT

An embodiment of the present invention provides a system for removing foreign objects from the airstream entering an inlet system of a turbomachine. This system may include an electrostatic system that may be configured to charge conductive, or partially conductive foreign objects that are in the airstream flowing through the system. This system may create an electric field to drawing the charged foreign objects, allowing for a collecting section to remove the charged foreign objects from the airstream. 
     An embodiment of the present invention may provide an automatic accumulation system for collecting the foreign objects removed from the airstream. An embodiment of the present invention may provide an automatic cleaning system for cleaning components of the collecting section.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the inlet system of aturbomachine; and more particularly to a system and method of removingforeign objects from the airstream entering the inlet system.

Some turbomachines, such as, but not limiting of, gas turbines, andaero-derivatives, have an air inlet system that channels the incomingairstream towards a compressor. The inlet system usually has a filtersection, which screens the airstream of foreign objects and otherundesired materials. Typically, the filter section comprises a pluralityof static filters made of a reinforced paper media. Foreign objectswithin the airstream, such as, but not limiting of, dirt, debris, andother unwanted items, tend to accumulate on these filters.

There are a few concerns with the described method of removing foreignobjects from the airstream. The accumulation of foreign objects on thefilters increases the pressure drop across the inlet system, leading toa decrease in the efficiency of the compressor of the turbomachine.Furthermore, the filters eventually need to be replaced, which can notoccur while the turbomachine is operating.

For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a system and method ofremoving the foreign objects within the airstream entering the inletsystem of the turbomachine. The system and method should provide afilter system that may be cleaned while the turbomachine operates. Thesystem and method should reduce the pressure drop associated with afilter that becomes dirty or clogged with foreign objects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In an embodiment of the present invention, a filter system for an inletsystem of a turbomachine, the system comprising: a turbomachinecomprising an inlet system for receiving and channeling an airstreamtowards a compressor of the turbomachine; wherein the inlet systemcomprises: a weather hood and an inlet filter section; and anelectrostatic system configured for removing foreign objects from theairstream, wherein the electrostatic system charges conductive orpartially conductive foreign objects within an airstream flowing withinthe inlet system, wherein the electrostatic system comprises: at leastone collecting section for collecting the foreign objects, wherein theat least one collection section creates an electric field between atleast one plate set, wherein the at least one plate set comprises acharged plate and a grounded plate.

In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a method of filteran airstream entering an inlet section of a turbomachine, the methodcomprising: providing a turbomachine, wherein the turbomachine comprisesan inlet system for receiving and channeling an airstream towards acompressor of the turbomachine; wherein the inlet system comprises: aweather hood and an inlet filter section, utilizing an electrostaticsystem configured for removing foreign objects from the airstream,wherein the electrostatic system performs the steps of: utilizing anelectrostatic system configured for removing foreign objects from theairstream, wherein the electrostatic system charges conductive orpartially conductive foreign objects within an airstream flowing withinthe inlet system, wherein the electrostatic system comprises: at leastone collecting section for collecting the foreign objects, wherein theat least one collection section creates an electric field between atleast one plate set, wherein the at least one plate set comprises acharged plate and a grounded plate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood when the following detaileddescription is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in whichlike characters represent like elements throughout the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustrating an environment where an embodiment ofthe present invention may operate.

FIGS. 2A and 2B, collectively FIG. 2, is a schematic illustrating anelectrostatic filtration system, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description of preferred embodiments refers tothe accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific embodiments of theinvention. Other embodiments having different structures and operationsdo not depart from the scope of the present invention.

Certain technology is used herein for the convenience of the reader onlyand is not to be taken as a limitation on the scope of the invention.For example, words such as “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “right”, “front”,“rear”, “top”, “bottom”, “horizontal”, “vertical”, “upstream”,“downstream”, “fore”, “aft”, and the like; merely describe theconfiguration shown in the Figures. Indeed, the element or elements ofan embodiment of the present invention may be oriented in any directionand the terminology, therefore, should be understood as encompassingsuch variations unless specified otherwise.

An embodiment of the present invention provides a system for removingforeign objects from the airstream entering an inlet system of aturbomachine. This system may include an electrostatic system that maybe configured to charge conductive, or partially conductive foreignobjects that are in the airstream flowing through the system. Thissystem may create an electric field to drawing the charged foreignobjects, allowing for a collecting section to remove the charged foreignobjects from the airstream.

An embodiment of the present invention may provide an automaticaccumulation system for collecting the foreign objects removed from theairstream. An embodiment of the present invention may provide anautomatic cleaning system for cleaning components of the collectingsection.

Referring now to the Figures, where the various numbers represent likeelements throughout the several views, FIG. 1 is a schematicillustrating an environment where an embodiment of the present inventionmay operate. FIG. 1 illustrates an inlet system 100 that is typicallyintegrated with a compressor 145 of a turbomachine (not illustrated).The following description provides an overview of a typicallyconfiguration of an inlet system 100; the present invention may be usedwith other configurations of the inlet system 100, which are notillustrated in the Figures.

The inlet system 100 channels the airstream drawn in by the compressor145. The airstream usually comes from the environment in which theturbomachine operates. Initially, the airstream flows around a weatherhood 105, which may prevent weather elements, such as rain, snow, etc,from entering the compressor 145. The airstream may then flow through aninlet filter section 110; which generally removes some foreign objectsfrom the airstream. Next, the airstream may flow through a transitionpiece 120 and an inlet duct 125; these components may adjust thevelocity and pressure of the airstream. Next, the airstream may flowthrough a silencer section 130. Next, the airstream may flow through aninlet bleed heat system 135, which generally increases the airstreamtemperature prior to entering the compressor 145. A trash screen 140, orthe like, may be located downstream of the inlet duct 125 and generallyserves to prevent debris from entering the compressor 145.

FIGS. 2A and 2B, collectively FIG. 2, is a schematic illustrating anelectrostatic filtration system, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention. FIG. 2A illustrates a side view of the inlet system100, illustrated in FIG. 1, with an embodiment of the present inventioninstalled therein. FIG. 2B illustrates a top view of the inlet system100, illustrated in FIG. 1, with an embodiment of the present inventioninstalled therein. In an embodiment of the present invention, theelectrostatic system 150 may be used in conjunction with a inlet filtersection 110, which comprises a plurality of static filters.

An embodiment of the present invention may provide an electrostaticsystem 150 configured for removing a portion of the foreign objectswithin the airstream. An embodiment of the electrostatic system 150 maycomprise a multi-stage electrostatic precipitator system. Generally, anelectrostatic precipitator system may be considered a system thatremoves foreign objects from a flowing fluid (such as an airstream)using the force of an induced electrostatic charge. An electrostaticprecipitator system may be considered a highly efficient filtrationsystem that minimally impedes the flow of the fluid, while removingparticulate matter such as foreign objects from the airstream.

The electrostatic system 150 may be integrated with the aforementionedcomponents of the inlet system 100. An embodiment of the electrostaticsystem 150 may comprise at least one charging section 155, at least onecollecting section 160, an accumulator 165, and a cleaning system 170.The at least one charging section 155 may charge conductive or partiallyconductive particles within the airstream flowing within the inletsystem 100. The charge may comprise a positive charge or a negativecharge. The at least one collection section 160 may create an electricfield between alternately negatively charged and grounded plates 163,which may then drive the charges particles to a surface of the plates163, allowing for the at least one collection section 160 to capture thecharged particles.

In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the electrostaticsystem 150 may allow for enhanced filtration be only utilizing the atleast one collection section 160. Here, the least one charging section155 may not be required and may be a component of the electrostaticsystem 150.

An embodiment of the at least one charging section 155 may comprise theform of a plurality of ionizing wires. These wires may be affixed to asurface on the weather hood 105. Here, the surface may be positioned toallow for the airstream to engage the at least one charging section 155.Other embodiments of the at least one charging section 155 may comprisea form other than the plurality of ionizing wires. For example, but notlimiting of, the at least one charging section may comprises an aplurality of objects that provide an acute direction change, such as,but not limiting of, an end of a pin, a metal brush, a bar with aplurality of nails attached, or the like.

The at least one collecting section 160 may be configured to remove thecharged foreign objects from the airstream. The at least one collectingsection 160 may have the form of at least one plate set 163 comprises atleast two plates. Here, a grounded plate 163 and a charged plate 163 maycreate an electric field to drive the particles to the plates 163. Theplates 163 may be installed downstream of the at least one chargingsection 155. The plates 163 may be orientated parallel to the flow ofthe airstream. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, theat least one collecting section 160 may be located upstream of the atleast one charging section 155.

The at least one collecting section 160 may utilize a cascading methodof collecting areas of the at least one plate set 163. This method mayinclude energizing and de-energizing the electric field supply be the atleast one collection section 16. The cascading method may provide anefficient way for the foreign objects to move towards the accumulator165 for removal.

An embodiment of the electrostatic system 150 may comprises anaccumulator 165 for collecting the foreign objects removed from theairstream. The accumulator 165 may have the form of, for example, butnot limiting of, a storage container, or the like. The accumulator 165may be integrated with the at least one collecting section 160 allowingfor the foreign objects to fall or be driven into an opening of theaccumulator 165. In an embodiment of the present invention, theaccumulator 165 may automatically receive the foreign objects from theat least one collecting section 160. In an alternate embodiment of thepresent invention, the accumulator 165 may require manual operation forreceiving the foreign objects. In an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention, the charged foreign objects may be driving into theaccumulator 165 via a washing method, or the like.

An embodiment of the electrostatic system 150 may comprise a cleaningsystem 170 configured for cleaning the at least one collecting section160. The cleaning system 170 may comprises a module 175 and a cleaningfluid 180. During the operation of the electrostatic system 150, some ofthe foreign objects may stick to the surface of the at least one plateset 163. This may decrease the effectiveness of the electrostatic system150. The cleaning system 170 may utilize the cleaning fluid 180, suchas, but not limiting of, water, detergent, or the like, to remove theforeign objects from the at least one plate 163. In an embodiment of thepresent invention, the module 175, may automatically determine when theat least one plate set 163 requires cleaning. Here, the cleaning system170 may automatically operate to cleaning the at least one plate 163. Inan embodiment of the present invention, an operator may manually operatethe cleaning system 170.

In use, the airstream may flow past the weather hood 105 where the atleast one charging section 155 imparts a charge thereon. Here, thecharge may be a positive charge or a negative charge. Next, theairstream may flow downstream to the at least one collecting section160. Next, the at least one plate set 163, may impart a force on theforeign objects by the application of an electric field. Next, thecascading method may vary the location of the location of the electricfield on the at least one plate set 163 from top to bottom. This maydraw the foreign object into the accumulator 165. The cleaning system170 may operate as described. Here, the module 175, may detect when theat least one plate set 163 requires cleaning. Then the cleaning system170 may utilize the cleaning fluid 180 to clean the at least one plateset 163, as described. These processes may occur while the turbomachineis in operation.

Although the present invention has been shown and described inconsiderable detail with respect to only a few exemplary embodimentsthereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that we donot intend to limit the invention to the embodiments since variousmodifications, omissions and additions may be made to the disclosedembodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings andadvantages of the invention, particularly in light of the foregoingteachings. Accordingly, we intend to cover all such modifications,omission, additions and equivalents as may be included within the spiritand scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

1. A filter system for an inlet system of a turbomachine, the systemcomprising: a turbomachine comprising an inlet system for receiving andchanneling an airstream towards a compressor of the turbomachine;wherein the inlet system comprises: a weather hood and an inlet filtersection; and an electrostatic system configured for removing foreignobjects from the airstream, wherein the electrostatic system chargesconductive or partially conductive foreign objects within an airstreamflowing within the inlet system, wherein the electrostatic systemcomprises: at least one collecting section for collecting the foreignobjects, wherein the at least one collection section creates an electricfield between at least one plate set, wherein the at least one plate setcomprises a charged plate and a grounded plate.
 2. The system of claim1, further comprising at least one charging section for charging theconducive or partially conductive foreign objects within the airstream,wherein the at least one charging section is integrated with a surfaceof the weather hood, and wherein the surface allows for the airstream toengage the at least one charging section.
 3. The system of claim 2,wherein the at least one charging section comprises a plurality ofionizer wires.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the inlet systemcomprises a plurality of static filters located downstream of the atleast one collecting section.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein at leastone collecting section utilizes a cascading method of applying theelectric field to attract the foreign objects allowing for the foreignobjects to exit from the airstream.
 6. The system of claim 5, whereinthe electrostatic system comprises an accumulator configured forcollecting the foreign objects exiting from the at least one collectingsection.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the at least one plate set isadapted for allowing the airstream to flow downstream.
 8. The system ofclaim 7, wherein the at least one collecting section allows for theforeign objects to collect onto the at least one plate set.
 9. Thesystem of claim 8, wherein the electrostatic system comprises anautomatic cleaning system configured for cleaning the at least onecollecting section, wherein the cleaning system utilizes a cleaningfluid to remove the foreign objects from the at least one plate set. 10.The system of claim 9, wherein the cascading method comprises varies alocation of the electric field on the at least one plate set, allowingfor a portion of the foreign objects to move from the at least one plateset to the accumulator.
 11. A method of filter an airstream entering aninlet section of a turbomachine, the method comprising: providing aturbomachine, wherein the turbomachine comprises an inlet system forreceiving and channeling an airstream towards a compressor of theturbomachine; wherein the inlet system comprises: a weather hood and aninlet filter section, utilizing an electrostatic system configured forremoving foreign objects from the airstream, wherein the electrostaticsystem charges conductive or partially conductive foreign objects withinan airstream flowing within the inlet system, wherein the electrostaticsystem comprises: at least one collecting section for collecting theforeign objects, wherein the at least one collection section creates anelectric field between at least one plate set, wherein the at least oneplate set comprises a charged plate and a grounded plate.
 12. The methodof claim 11, wherein the inlet system comprises a plurality of staticfilters located downstream of the at least one collecting section. 13.The method of claim 11, wherein at least one collecting section performsthe step of utilizing a cascading method of applying the electric fieldto attract the foreign objects allowing for the foreign objects to exitfrom the airstream.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein theelectrostatic system comprises an accumulator, and wherein theaccumulator performs the step of collecting the foreign objects from theat least one collecting section.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein theat least one collecting section allows for the foreign objects tocollect onto the at least one plate set.
 16. The method of claim 15,wherein the electrostatic system comprises a cleaning system configuredfor performing the step of automatically cleaning the at least onecollecting section, wherein the cleaning system utilizes a cleaningfluid to remove the foreign objects from the at least one plate set. 17.The method of claim 16, wherein the cascading method performs the stepsof varying a location of the electric field on the at least one plateset, allowing for a portion of the foreign objects to move from the atleast one plate set to the accumulator.
 18. The system of claim 1,further comprising a static filter system downstream of theelectrostatic system.